The 77’s in Concert

Every now and then a group that I really care about goes on tour. It is rare, but it happens. Even more rarely I am able to go and see them. Such was the case last Tuesday. I had a chance to take my kit along as well, so I have quite a few shots to share. This was my first time really shooting a concert so I tried a few things. The intimate venue made that easy.

The gallery is below, but to provide some context, below are some notes about the group and my history of following their music.

The 77’s, a group I have followed since the 80s, will be in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and I will be joining them! There is an interview/piece about the (related?) 1989 album 7&7is available here and Tour Dates here. To promote their tour they are releasing a free collection. “77s: The Late Greats ~ 2014 Summer Tour Mix.” You can download it here: http://noisetrade.com/77s/the-late-greats-2014-summer-tour

Their music has remained powerful over the years, both the older albums and their more recent works. I am no good at describing music so I will just tell you that it features great guitar work by Mike Roe, powerful rhythms, and passionate lyrics. The album is free, so just download, ok?

Ever since I first heard it back in 1990, I have considered their song “Don’t This Way” (YouTube, the album version is cleaner) one of the most compelling I have ever heard. Once you listen or read the lyrics below, you will understand why it has been running through my head ever since New Year’s Eve 2012. Mike’s guitar work on this piece is haunting, adding to the grief of the truth to which the words allude.

Imagine
All those years together
As a blackbird with no song to sing
Imagine
Throwing it to the air
But it falls from broken wings

Don’t leave this way, so many words unsaid
Don’t lie this way, stretched straight from
Feet to head

Imagine
The sky is pouring down
On the back of all those years
Imagine
That bird helpless on the ground
Shot down by all those tears